The St. Petersburg Museum of History announced today that the local Seed & Feed Hospitality Group is opening Perry’s Porch as part of the museum’s expansion. The indoor/outdoor concept will be a restaurant and coffee bar situated to the west of the museum’s main building.

Seed & Feed is responsible for several popular concepts in the area, including Trophy Fish and Mandarin Hide, both of which will share some qualities with Perry’s Porch. The menu will focus on fresh and local flavors and fresh catch, similar to Trophy Fish. Chef Jon Robben has composed a menu that the museum says will not only allow for onsite dining but also provide guests with a one-of-a-kind “picnic basket” experience to take menu items with them while they explore and enjoy the St. Pete Pier.

Perry’s Porch will also showcase “historical local craft cocktails,” curated by Seed & Feed’s Director of Spirits Morgan Zuch and fashioned similarly to the hospitality group’s cocktail flagship, The Mandarin Hide on Central Avenue.

Keeping in line with the Museum of History’s mission, Perry’s Porch is named for C. Perry Snell, the early 1900s developer who envisioned a beautiful, walkable, park-filled waterfront in St. Pete. Snell’s spectacular Mediterranean Revival styled homes helped create the Northshore, Old Northeast, Snell Isle and Granada Terrace neighborhoods. His 1925 masterpiece, the Snell Arcade building, still stands over the heart of downtown today.

The museum said Perry’s Porch is the vision of St. Pete natives Ryan Griffin, Bill Griffin and Blake Thompson, “who set out to create a historic St. Pete inspired open-air culinary experience.” The group partnered with award-winning design firm WJ Architects to create Perry’s Porch.

“Perry’s Porch design will incorporate Snell’s focus on bringing nature and architecture together to create a unique indoor/outdoor oasis,” the museum said. “The plan includes a full restaurant, coffee bar, and plenty of outdoor dining space for guests to relax and soak up the downtown waterfront.”

The museum is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and its ambitious expansion plans will make the St. Pete gem even grander than before. Ryan Griffin expressed his excitement, as a local, to be part of such an important project.

“Being born and raised in St. Pete, the St. Petersburg Museum of History and the wonderful story of our community hold a special place in our hearts,” he said. “We are extremely honored to be part of the Museum’s next century.”

Added Thompson: “We see this as a chance to leave an indelible mark on the St. Pete culinary scene. We want this venue to become an extension of the St. Petersburg Museum of History experience and have us help serve as St. Pete ambassadors to each guest that may be visiting our amazing city.”

Buildout is expected to begin in early 2023, with opening expected in the summer. For more information, visit perrysporch.com or follow the restaurant on Instagram.